Brandi Carlile (Brandi Carlile): Soulful & bluesy, honest, haunting, somewhat raw (she's 23!) but still riveting. I can listen to this straight through without skipping songs. Some of the songs often stop me in my tracks to listen, not only to the lyrics but also to the presentation of the message.

Favorite Songs: "Follow," "Throw It All Away," "Fall Apart Again"

Best used for: rainy days, work where word-centered music won't distract, understanding chicks, late night relaxation.

When you're near me I have no fear
When I'm untrue you see right through me
You know me as deep as the sea goes
Calm my head whenever the storm blows

When the stars, and the moon
And the sky, fall through

I'd throw them all away when I'm hollow
Deep as the sea goes, all I know isI would throw it all away...away

Winterpills (Winterpills): A sometimes more rockish version of Simon & Garfunkel, sometimes just as whispery and eclectic, wonderfully full harmonies, beautiful. A thoroughly engaging album. Every song is ear-catching and some are foot-tapping. Never overpowering, yet holds subtle power that seeps in.

Favorite Songs: "A Benediction," "Cranky," "Threshing Machine"

Best used for: background during work, road trips, building an iTunes folder of "life theme songs."

We took a walk on the dykesAnd walked by the proscenium archesPaused at the mouth of a rabbit holeStared down and wondered how far did it go

Something about the way we talked that dayCaught in the act of trying to look awayFrom the sight of our hands caught in this threshing machineDo you feel like you’ve felt anything,Ever, at all?

The Avett Brothers (Four Theives Gone): Alternative/sorta like emo-driven (even occasionally bordering on screamo)/ rock-based bluegrass. Honkin' sheesh, just listen to it. Banjo-centric. Strange but wonderful harmonizing. As unique as possible without being too weird to like. Completely engaging, fun, catchy, and still thoughtful. Just as good (and maybe even better) is their previous album, Mignonette.